Join Our N1 Motion News Letter

Be the first to know about upcoming events, exclusive deals, along with tips and tricks on how you can accomplish your fitness and performance goals. Connect with us and join our monthly newsletter today!

4 Reasons Why Estrogen Dominance is Growing and How to Prevent It

Over the last 10 years of being a Dietitian, I have seen a growing population in estrogen dominance. Per Charles Poliquin’s “Biosignature hormonal assessment”, those that carry more fat in the triceps and thighs correlates with high estrogen. Other symptoms of high estrogen in the body are:

Cellulite or spider veins

Heavy periods- PMS, cramps, vaginal dryness

Hot flashes/night sweats

Fat gain around hips and thighs

Ovarian cysts, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis

Infertility, miscarriage

Depression

Thyroid imbalance, blood clots, high blood pressure

Men- breasts, prostate problems, hair loss, low libido

Estrogen is considered a female hormone but both genders have it. It is produced in the ovaries, liver and fat cells. It is helpful for the body by increasing HDL and decreasing LDL. Estrogen aids in blood sugar balance, improves memory and sleep and prevents skin wrinkling.

As with anything, too much estrogen can have a negative impact on the body. Too much estrogen in the body is linked to certain types of cancers. Estrogens are difficult to detoxify and are stored in fat cells. This can block the thyroid hormone conversion leading to thyroid imbalances. High estrogen levels can also block serotonin uptake leading to depression and can also increase triglycerides levels and blood pressure/blood clots.

What causes estrogen dominance?

1- Environmental (xeno-estrogens)

Harmful chemicals that mimic estrogen and block binding sites so natural estrogen cannot get in. Farmers have known this estrogen-weight gain connection for years. They use a little synthetic estrogen to fatten their cattle. i.e.- plastic, pesticides, hormones in animals, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, etc.

2- Stress- progesterone is needed to make cortisol. Increased cortisol= decreased progesterone and then relative imbalance of estrogen.